Cursos en línea abiertos y masivos: oportunidad de aprendizaje sobre salud global en Latinoamérica / Massive open online courses: learning opportunities about global health for Latin American countries

Introducción. Los cursos en línea, masivos y abiertos, brindan la oportunidad de formar profesionales e investigadores en Latinoamérica sobre salud global. Objetivos. Determinar la oferta global de los cursos en línea, masivos y abiertos, sobre salud global y conocer las características de su contenido. Materiales y métodos. Se examinaron las plataformas especializadas en cursos en línea, masivos y abiertos, para recopilar aquellos sobre salud global. La búsqueda no tuvo restricción de tiempo y se realizó por última vez en noviembre de 2021. La estrategia de búsqueda solo incluyó el descriptor "global health". Posteriormente, se obtuvieron las características del curso, su contenido y el dominio abordado de salud global. Estos datos fueron analizados descriptivamente, y se reportaron frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Resultados. La estrategia de búsqueda identificó 4.724 cursos en línea, masivos y abiertos. De ellos, solo 92 estaban relacionados con salud global. La mayoría de estos cursos (n=44; 47,8 %) se ofrecieron mediante la plataforma Coursera. Más de la mitad de los cursos (n=50; 54,4 %) fueron realizados por instituciones de Estados Unidos y en idioma inglés (n=90; 97,8 %). La mayor parte de los cursos se centró en la "globalización de la salud y la asistencia sanitaria" (n=24; 26,1 %), seguido de los dominios "fortalecimiento de capacidades" (n=16; 17,4 %), "carga global de enfermedad" y "determinantes sociales y ambientales de la salud" (n=15; 16,3 %). Conclusiones. Se encontró una importante oferta de cursos en línea, masivos y abiertos, sobre salud global. Estos cursos abordaron las competencias de la salud global que se requieren para los profesionales sanitarios.

Introduction. Massive open online courses provide the opportunity to train health professionals and researchers from Latin America in global health. Objective. To determine the global offer of massive open online courses in global health and the characteristics of their content. Material and methods. We examined massive open online course platforms to compile the global health offerings. The search had no time restriction and was last conducted in November, 2021. The search strategy only included the descriptor "global health". We obtained the characteristics of the courses, their content, and the global health domain covered. These data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reporting absolute and relative frequencies. Results. Our search strategy identified 4,724 massive open online courses. Of these, only 92 were related to global health. Most of these courses (n=44; 47.8%) were offered through Coursera. More than half (n=50; 54.4%) of the MOOCs were conducted by U.S.A. institutions and in English language (n=90; 97.8%). Most courses focused on "globalization of health and healthcare" (n=24; 26.1%), followed by the domains "capacity building" (n=16; 17.4%), "global burden of disease" and "social and environmental determinants of health" (n=15; 16.3%). Conclusions. We found a high offer of massive open online courses on global health. These courses covered the global health competencies required for health professionals.

Development and implementation of a self-directed learning module on antimicrobial resistance for Phase 2 MBBS students

Background: The first objective of the Global Action Plan proposed by the WHO in preventing and controlling Antimicrobial resistance is to improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance through effective communication, education and training. Self-directed learning is a student oriented teaching learning method ideal for imparting lasting knowledge on topics of national and global importance such as antimicrobial resistance among medical students, which will help them develop an in-depth understanding of the topic and hence the aim of this study was to develop and implement a Self Directed Learning Module on Antimicrobial Resistance. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in the department of Microbiology with the Phase 2 medical students. Four self-directed learning sessions were developed and disseminated which included case scenarios, class assignments, obtaining antibiotic history from admitted patients, brain storming sessions, final assessment and feedback from students and faculty. Results: 62 out of 80 students gave their consent for the study. 72.6% students attended all the SDL sessions. 55 students gave their final assessments and feedback and all students scored above 50% marks. More than 70% of students said that the SDL aroused curiosity about the topic, while making it interesting, interactive and enjoyable. Conclusions: The self-directed learning module on antimicrobial resistance evoked interest and enthusiastic participation among the medical students. The discussions, assignments and the brainstorming sessions helped to deepen their knowledge on this emerging threat at the local, national and global levels.

“Flipped Classroom” teaching-learning method in medical biochemistry 1st professional MBBS students

Background: The flipped classroom is an educational model in which the standard lecture and homework elements of a course are “reversed” or “flipped.” In the current scenario, the new teaching-learning (T-L) method like flipped classroom is an essential requirement due to shifting in medical education from teacher-centric to student-centric as a consequence of the recent changes in medical education called “Competency-Based Medical Education.” The advantage of this teaching-learning method is to motivate students for self-directed learning and provides an opportunity for students to read/view course-related material at their own pace and on their own time before the actual class. Change in T-L method in medical biochemistry is extremely important since 1st Professional MBBS students considered it as tiresome and boring subject and give it least priority in all the subjects of 1st Professional MBBS course. Aim and Objectives: The main objective of this study is to introduce “Flipped Classroom” as an innovative teaching-learning method in medical biochemistry. Materials and Methods: For this study, 76 students were in-rolled and randomly divided them into two equal groups. Two topics from the medical biochemistry were selected, each group given an equal chance to learn by each method, at the end of teaching-learning the MCQ test was conducted and feedback from the student was collected. Results: In topics, the group learned the topic by flipped classroom scored more marks than the other group. The mean score of students, after the didactic lecture and flipped-classroom irrespective of the topic, were 4.43 and 5.39 marks, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The flipped-classroom method was found useful to improve the score of the 1st Professional MBBS students in medical biochemistry subject and facilitate them to understand the topic more clearly than the didactic lecture.

Research on the correlation between the preference of personalized learning resource recommendation system and self-directed learning level of medical students / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To understand the preferences of medical students for the performance, function and recommendation method of personalized learning resource recommendation system, as well as the correlation with the self-directed learning ability of medical students, so as to provide a reference for further building an effective learning platform and learning resource tool.Methods:A total of 482 first-year to third-year medical students in a medical university were selected as the research subjects. The electronic self-directed learning scale and the self-designed medical education learning resources recommendation system of performance, function and recommendation method scale were used to conduct a questionnaire survey. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between the performance, function and recommendation method preference of medical students' information resource recommendation system and self-directed learning ability.Results:Medical students had high demand and preference for learning [(4.35±0.58) points], accuracy [(4.32±0.62) points] and timeliness [(4.32±0.62) points] of learning resource recommendation system. In terms of the function of the recommendation system, the following [(4.10±0.71) points] and sharing [(3.94±0.82) points], and searching [(4.35±0.59) points], feedback [(4.09±0.73) points] and publication [(3.80±0.88) points] in the interactive function were all highly rated. For the preference of recommendation methods, the scores of discipline connection [(4.07±0.66) points] and time line [(4.02±0.74) points] were higher. The dimensions with high relevance to self-directed learning included timeliness ( r=0.367), social attributes ( r=0.361), and the basis of similar groups ( r=0.316). Conclusion:Medical students are familiar with and have a positive attitude towards the performance, functions and recommendation methods of the learning resource recommendation system, and have a cognitive foundation for the construction of the learning resource recommendation system and related resource platforms. This system has a certain correlation with the self-directed learning ability of medical students. Promoting the construction of medical education information resources is conducive to promoting the development of self-directed learning ability of medical students.

Mutual promotion action between the self-directed learning ability of medical students and the effect of flipped classroom teaching / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To explore the correlation between the self-directed learning ability of medical students and the effect of flipped classroom teaching.Methods:The questionnaire survey was used. From November to December 2020, 123 students of 5-year program enrolled in 2019 in Peking University Health Science Center were chosen as the study objects and Neurobiology is a required course for them. The Medical Students' Autonomous Learning Ability Assessment Scale (MSALAAS) was used to assess the students' self-directed learning ability. The final examination score and a questionnaire survey were used to assess the teaching effect of the course. Descriptive analysis and Mann-Whitney analysis were used to analyze the change of self-directed learning ability of students after the course. One-dimensional linear regression was used to analyze the influence of self-directed learning ability on the final examination score, course experience and course assessment. Results:The total score of MSALAAS was increased from [(109.84 ± 14.12) points] to [(113.65±15.88) points] ( P<0.05) after the course. If the total score of the MSALAAS was referred to as an independent variant, and the final examination score, the course experience and course assessment was referred to as a dependent variable, respectively. The one-dimensional linear regression analysis showed that the total score of the MSALAAS was correlated with the final examination score ( B=0.248, t=3.59, P<0.001), the course experience ( B=0.049, t=3.15, P=0.002) and course assessment ( B=0.048, t=3.18, P=0.002). Conclusion:Flipped classroom teaching can promote the improvement of the self-directed learning ability of medical students. In converse, the students with higher self-directed learning ability might achieve higher examination score and get the better course experience and assessment.

The application of 4C teaching combined with case simulation teaching in the practice teaching of respiratory and critical care medicine nursing students / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To explore the application of 4C teaching combined with case simulation teaching in the practice teaching of respiratory and critical care medicine nursing students.Methods:Eighty nursing practice students from 2019 to 2021 in the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University were selected as the research objects, and they were randomized into control group ( n=40) and observation group ( n=40). The control group adopted traditional teaching, and the observation group adopted 4C teaching combined with case simulation teaching. The nursing comprehensive ability and self-directed learning ability of the two groups of nursing students were compared, and the evaluation of teaching methods between the two groups was assessed. SPSS 22.0 was used for Chi-square test and t-test. Results:The scores of theoretical knowledge, ward management, prevention and control of hospital infection, basic nursing, standardized writing of nursing documents, and critical care of nursing students in the observation group were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05); the scores and total scores of learning awareness, learning behavior, learning strategies, interpersonal relationships, and learning evaluation in the observation group were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05). The observation group believed that their teaching method was better than the control group in terms of mobilizing learning initiative, improving basic nursing practices, promoting clinical communication skills, improving the ability to analyze and solve problems, enhancing the concept of humanistic care, helping to understand and master knowledge, and improving the overall quality ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The 4C teaching combined with case simulation teaching can improve the comprehensive nursing ability and self-directed learning ability of nursing students in department of respiratory and critical care medicine, and the nursing students have a high opinion of the teaching method.

Contemporary reflection on the educational levels of high-performance soccer players in Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective As the soccer culture in Brazil is more popular than schooling, this study reflected on the formal education levels of soccer (football) players through descriptive and quantitative analyses. Methods We evaluated 179 national soccer players playing various positions on different teams across six seasons (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2022). Data were collected using a questionnaire comprising the following variables: age, position in the pitch, age of professionalization, and education (years of study). The data were distributed according to the pitch position. Results The mean age, length of professional career, and professionalization age were 23±6 years, 7±5 years, and 17±2 years, respectively. In terms of education, 121 athletes (67%) completed high school, equivalent to 11 years of study. Only 5.5% completed higher education, with defensive players (goalkeepers and defenders) being the most educated at 37% (66/179). According to 2017 figures from the Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios Contínua of the Federal Government of Brazil, the schooling rate is 31.7%, wherein 46.1% of Brazilians aged 25 years or over have completed education. In this study of 179 athletes, 67% had completed high school. Thus, players outrank the Brazilian population in terms of achieving a high school education. There were marked disparities in the relative proportions of goalkeepers (85%), defensive players (68%), midfielders (63%), and forward players (64%) in terms of their education. Conclusion Our survey revealed that attending higher education remains a distant reality in Brazil.

Research on the Relationship between Metacognition and Self-directed Learning Ability of Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Moderated Mediation Model / 中国医学伦理学

【Objective:】 To explore the effect of metacognition on self-directed learning ability of undergraduate nursing students, and the role of interpersonal communication ability and sense of self-worth between them. 【Methods:】 A total of 905 undergraduate nursing students from six colleges and universities in Shaanxi were selected as the survey subjects by convenient sampling method during August to November 2022. Metacognitive Assessment Inventory, Self-Directed Learning Ability Measurement Scale for Nursing Students, Adolescent Sense of Total Self-Worth Scale, and Supportive Communication Scale were used to conduct a questionnaire survey on undergraduate nursing students. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis of the data. 【Results:】 Finally, 854 valid questionnaires (94.36%) were collected, and the results showed that: a) Metacognition of undergraduate nursing students significantly positively predicted self-directed learning ability (β=0.172, P<0.001). b) Interpersonal communication ability played a partial mediating role between metacognition and self-directed learning ability [β=0.019, 95%CI: 0.004~0.034)] . c) The predictive effect of metacognition on self-directed learning ability was regulated by the level of self-worth (R2=0.314, P<0.001). 【Conclusion:】 This paper indicated that the metacognition of undergraduate nursing students indirectly affects their self-learning ability through interpersonal communication ability, and their sense of self-worth plays a moderating role. It is recommended to improve the metacognitive level of undergraduate nursing students, strengthen their interpersonal communication skills, and focus on the cultivation of self-worth, so as to improve their self-directed learning ability.

Self Directed Learning Readiness among phase I undergraduate Medical students

Self Directed Learning (SDL) was defined by Knowles as ‘the process in which individuals take the ini?a?ve themselves with or without taking help of others for diagnosing their learning needs. The SDLR Scale is a validated tool used to assess that to which extent an individual possesses selfdirected learning personality characteris?cs and a?tude. This cross sec?onal survey was planned among phase I medical students . Sample size was 100 u?lizing convenient sample of phase I medical students. Structured Ques?onnaire ‘Self-directed learning readiness scale’ SDLRD ques?onnaire was used to collect the data; the scale was first designed and tested by Fisher et al. Data were analyzed using Microso? excel, Median, mean and Standard devia?on for each individual item and for total score as well as for the three subscales were tabulated . Differences between groups were tested using the chi square or t test. The mean and median SDLR score of whole ques?onnaire for was 146.18±19.81. Majority of the first year medical students had shown readiness for self-directed learning. SDL scores were lower among our MBBS students than reported in studies done elsewhere. This study points out the need to address our students’ SDL skills, and need for ways to build SDL skills in our students.

Preparedness of Phase 1 MBBS Students for Self-directed Learning Process

Self-directed learning is important for MBBS students to prepare themselves as lifelong learner. But a “spoonfed” school student needs to be sufficiently prepared to learn by SDL. In this study, the ability of the students to learn by SDL is measured along with evaluation of the reliability of as “Self-Directed Learning Instrument” (SDLI) as measuring tool. All willing students of the 1st phase MBBS curriculum (Batch 2020-21) were given a 20-item questionnaire known as “Self-directed Learning Instrument” (SDLI) to evaluate their learning abilities by SDL. A higher level of SDL is indicated by a higher score. A total of 247 students were included in the study. The result shows that students have poorest ability in Planning and Implementation domain (Mean: 3.9, variance: 0.26) whereas they are strongly motivated (Mean:4.3, variance: 0.37). SDLI score revealed that only 6 students need special care from faculties. Some (n = 81) needed observation and monitoring whereas majority of students (160, 64.8%) were supposed to be able to learn of their own. The method was found to be reliable as Cronbach’s alpha for all domains were over 0.70. The students with poor ability to learn by themselves can be identified in the very beginning of the session who can be given special attention and facilitated to grow as lifelong learner.

Perceived stress in medical students and correlation of perceived stress levels with self-directed learning readiness

Background: Medical students are exposed to increased stress due to factors such as academic pressure, high expectations from parents, peer pressure, reduced leisure time, and ambitions of higher studies. Students in professional courses are expected to have skills for self-directed learning. It is the process of learning, in which the student frames his own learning goals, who chooses appropriate strategies for learning. The present study aims to look for level of perceived stress among medical students, readiness for self-directed learning and to correlate readiness for self-directed learning with level of perceived stress. Aims and Objectives: The aims if this study were to assess perceived stress and readiness for self-directed learning in medical students and to correlate stress levels with readiness for self-directed learning. Materials and Methods: The study was done by online survey using Google forms which were shared among medical students. Two hundred students participated in this study. The online survey consisted of Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to assess the level of stress, Fisher’s Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) to assess readiness for self-directed learning. Results: Among the 200 students, who participated in the study, about 127 (63.7%) had PSS >28. The mean PSS was 31.6 (SD 6.79) and mean SDLRS was 145.22 (SD 18.5). Between SDLRS and PSS, there was a significant negative correlation (r = ?0.417), suggesting inverse relationship. Scatter plot showed presence of linear relationship between SDLRS and PSS scores. Regression analysis showed significant association between SDLRS and PSS with P < 0.001. Conclusion: Significant proportion of medical students was found to have moderate perceived stress. Students with higher SDL readiness had significantly lower perceived stress.

A study to evaluate the outcomes of traditional lecture classes and self-directed learning sessions among the first MBBS students in the department of physiology

Background: To become lifelong learners, it is essential for medical students to develop self-directed learning (SDL) skills from early medical schools. Aim and Objective: The present study was conducted to compare the outcome of traditional lecture classes (LCs) and SDL sessions among the first MBBS students in the department of physiology. Materials and Methods: This pilot study was conducted over a period of 1 year in the department of physiology among the first MBBS students to compare the outcome of traditional LCs with SDL sessions. The first 12 traditional LCs were conducted among Group A (roll no. 1–100) and the first 12 SDL sessions were conducted among Group B (roll no. 101–200). For the rest 13 traditional LCs and SDL sessions, crossover of two groups was done, that is, traditional LCs were conducted among Group B and SDL sessions were conducted among Group A. Results: Students performed significantly better in the 3rd, 7th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 18th, 19th, 21st, and 22nd SDL sessions as compared to LCs in post-test sessions. Students performed significantly better in the 4th, 6th, 8th, 16th, 23rd, 24th, and 25th LCs as compared to SDL sessions in posttests. Students performed significantly better in post-test sessions as compared to pre-test sessions. Students were highly satisfied with the program (as per evaluation done by Kirkpatrick model: Level 1). Conclusions: The students were highly satisfied with the teaching-learning program implemented by the department of physiology and their performance was better following SDL sessions as compared to traditional LCs.

Delivering Electives the Clerkship Way: Consolidating the Student Doctor Method of Training

Student doctor method of clinical training or clinical clerkship provides students with exposure to the entire longitudinal illness of the patient. The students participate in patient care as a part of treating team and can refine their clinical, communication and procedural skills. It provides them with an opportunity to work with the faculty and experience the future workplace. Although the graduate medical education regulations (GMER) provide for student doctor method of training, the time provided is too little and opportunistic. Electives have also been recently added to the new curriculum for the first time. We propose a model to deliver the electives using the clerkship method, so as to consolidate what students learn from the ongoing clerkship. This model is feasible, practical and can be introduced in the current GMER for Indian medical undergraduates without any major disruptions.

Relación de los contenidos de las Ciencias Básicas Biomédicas con los problemas de salud: una necesidad de la Educación Médica

RESUMEN Aprender solucionando problemas constituye una estrategia educacional de elección cuando se persiguen la integración y contextualización curriculares, para formar un médico que deberá ser un comunicador, capaz de trabajar en equipos y de educar al individuo y a la comunidad a vivir con salud. A las Ciencias Básicas Biomédicas se le reconoce su contribución al desarrollo del pensamiento científico de los estudiantes, además de la aportación de contenidos esenciales que constituyen las bases biológicas de la profesión, que sirven de punto de partida para la ampliación, actualización y aplicación de los contenidos en el aprendizaje del método clínico-epidemiológico y para la autoeducación en este campo a lo largo de su vida profesional. Mediante la relación de los contenidos de esta disciplina con los problemas de salud, se fortalece el compromiso académico, el aprendizaje autodirigido, significativo y activo, así como el rendimiento académico, la motivación y la participación, lo que ofrece satisfacción y bienestar al estudiante en un contexto en el que las enfermedades crónicas no trasmisibles constituyen uno de los mayores retos que enfrentan los sistemas de salud a nivel mundial.

ABSTRACT Learning by solving problems constitutes an educational strategy of choice when curricular integration and contextualization are pursued, to train a doctor who must be a communicator, capable of working in teams and educating the individual and the community to live with health. Basic Biomedical Sciences are credited with their contribution to the development of students' scientific thinking, in addition to providing them with essential content that constitutes the biological bases of the profession and that serves as a starting point for the expansion, updating and application of the contents in learning the clinical-epidemiological method and for self-education in this field throughout their professional life. Through the relationship of the contents of this discipline with health problems, academic commitment, self-directed, meaningful and active learning are strengthened, as well as academic performance, motivation and participation, which offers satisfaction and well-being to the student in a context in the than chronic disease not transmissible they constitute one of the bigger challenges that confront the systems of worldwide health.

The Concept of Self-Directed Learning: Implications for Practice in the Undergraduate Curriculum

Self-directed learning (SDL) is a modality where learners are expected to take responsibility for their own learning, diagnose gaps in their learning, frame their own goals and resources for learning, implement appropriate learning strategies and evaluate learning outcomes. Flexibility and creativity in designing assignments for students to work individually or collaboratively are the keys to promoting SDL. The recent competency-based curriculum document from the National Medical Commission does not elaborate the concept or implementation of SDL, leaving it open to individual interpretation. We, herein, discuss the concept of SDL, address common misconceptions surrounding SDL, and elucidate strategies by which SDL skills can be inculcated in medical students using pre-existing opportunities in the curriculum. Flipped classrooms, reciprocal teaching, technology-enhanced methods, problem-based learning, and group projects are excellent ways of promoting SDL. SDL requires efforts and policies both at the teachers’ level and at the institutional level; and is an important input to achieve the goal of being a lifelong learner by the Indian medical graduate.

Estilos de aprendizaje utilizados por estudiantes de primer año de licenciaturas en Ciencias Médicas. Cienfuegos, 2019-2020

RESUMEN Fundamento: el estilo de aprendizaje está directamente relacionado con las estrategias que utiliza un estudiante para aprender algo. Una manera de entenderlo sería pensar en el estilo de aprendizaje como la media estadística de todas las estrategias que utiliza. Se corresponden, por tanto, las grandes tendencias con las estrategias más usadas. Objetivo: determinar las estrategias y estilos de aprendizaje que utilizaron los estudiantes de primer año de las licenciaturas en Ciencias Médicas, durante el proceso docente-educativo del curso 2019-2020. Métodos: estudio descriptivo acerca de la relación entre estrategias, estilos de aprendizaje y la calidad de la enseñanza. Del universo constituido por 152 estudiantes de primer año de las carreras seleccionadas, se determinó una muestra de 121, que representan el 80,6 %. Se empleó la observación del proceso, el análisis documental, la aplicación de encuestas y el test del aprendizaje de Kolb. Los resultados fueron procesados estadísticamente, aplicando la hoja de cálculo Microsoft Excel y el paquete profesional SPSS para Windows versión 11.0. Resultados: se identificaron las estrategias y estilos de aprendizaje que utilizan los estudiantes, relacionándolos con los resultados académicos del primer año de la carrera. Predominó la estrategia de recirculación de la información y el estilo de aprendizaje visual. Al aplicar la rueda del aprendizaje de Kolb prevaleció el tipo de alumno teórico o convergente. Conclusiones: la calidad de la promoción alcanzada por los estudiantes puede considerarse satisfactoria, porque la mayoría de los resultados evaluativos se ubican en las categorías excelente y bien.

ABSTRACT Background: the learning style is directly related to the strategies that a student uses to learn something. One way to understand it would be to think of the learning style as the statistical mean of all the strategies used. Therefore, the major trends correspond to the most used strategies. Objective: to determine the strategies and learning styles used by first-year students of medical science degrees, during the teaching-educational process of the 2019-2020 academic year. Methods: descriptive and retrospective study about the relationship between strategies, learning styles and the quality of teaching. From the universe of 152 first-year students from the selected careers, a sample of 121 was determined, representing 80.6%. The observation of the process, the documentary analysis, the application of surveys and the Kolb learning test were used. The results were statistically processed, applying the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and the SPSS professional package for Windows version 11.0. Results: the learning strategies and styles used by the students were identified, relating them to the academic results of the first year of the degree. The information recirculation strategy and the visual learning style predominated. When applying Kolb's wheel of learning, the theoretical or convergent type of student prevailed. Conclusions: the quality of the promotion achieved by the students can be considered satisfactory, because most of the evaluative results are located in the excellent and good categories.

Introduction of SDL in Department of Anatomy: Evaluation of Learning and SDL Readiness

Background: Self-directed learning (SDL) is a process in which individuals assume the responsibility of identifying their learning needs, setting goals, locating sources, developing and implementing proper strategies, and evaluating the outcomes of learning both individually and collectively. The advantages of SDL include, but not limited to, gaining more autonomy in learning, having higher motivation for it, acquiring lifelong learning skills, and developing greater self-control, self-confidence, and self-management. SDL has become popular in medical curricula and has been advocated as an effective learning strategy for medical students to develop competence in knowledge acquisition. Aim and Objectives: To introduce self directed learning in the Department of Anatomy, to encourage faculty members to accept SDL as a Teaching Learning method and encouraging students to develop an attitude of self directed learning & to become lifelong learners. Methodology: After proper sensitization of the faculty & students regarding SDL, two sessions were conducted during the Anatomy Dissection Hall timings of the First Year students. The performance of the students, in the SDL topics was assessed using the MCQ & SAQ tests. Feedback regarding the SDL methodology was taken both from the students as well as the faculty. Also the Questionnaires were given to students applying Fischer’s Self Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) & Jefferson Scale of Life Long learning –Health Profession Version (JeffSLL-HSP) & the results were statistically analyzed. Results: A total of 126 MBBS students of the first semester participated in SDL session and most students scored more than mean score in the tests after SDL sessions, there was a fourfold increase in the number of students scoring more than 80% in the two SDL tests. Also participating students showed high readiness towards SDL and were oriented to become Life Long Learners. Conclusions: SDL can be effectively implemented in the Department of Anatomy and it motivates students to become life long learners.

Model Making, An Interesting Method of Learning Anatomy: Students’ perceptions

Background: The knowledge of anatomy is very essential for the safe and efficient clinical practice. There has been a lot of efforts, made over recent years to promote active learning in students through innovative teaching techniques. Model making is one such type of active and self directed learning. The aim of the study is to introduce model making as a technique of learning Anatomy.The objective was to evaluate the students’ perceptions about various aspects of model making, as a technique of learning anatomy Material and Methods: Convenient sample of one hundred first year MBBS students were divided into four groups for different model making activities. Each group of twenty five was divided into six and nineteen. Group of nineteen did the routine dissection and the other of six did the model of structures under the cover of gluteus maximus, parotid gland, cavernous sinus with its relations or perineal pouches at various time intervals. Anonymous feedback was taken from students through a questionnaire using a Likert five-point grading scale. The number and percentage of students responding to each item was noted. The mean rating for each item was calculated. Results: A majority of students were positive about the use of model making in anatomy.94%, 93%, and 91% of the students felt that model making was useful in learning anatomy,should be used for teaching other topics also and helped in long term memory respectively. Conclusion: Students perceived that model making when used along with dissection would promote meaningful learning and deep understanding of anatomy.

Effectiveness of self-directed learning in physiology-students’ perspective

Background: Self-directed learning (SDL) is an important adult learning educational approach where the learner makes all the effort to study on his own with or without the help of a facilitator. SDL gives the learner greater autonomy and freedom over his own learning process. Aim and Objectives: (1) To compare lecture-based and SDL methodologies using pre-test and post-test on 1st year MBBS students in physiology. (2) To know the effectiveness of SDL methodology sessions from a student’s perspective using questionnaires. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted among 1st year MBBS students in the Department of Physiology. After taking ethical clearance from the institutional ethical committee, total of 150 students were divided into two groups comprising 75 each. Each group attended two sessions of SDL and lecture where pre-test and post-test was given in the form of MCQs. Pre-test and post-test scores of each session were compared. Student’s perspectives about SDL were assessed via questionnaires. Data entry and analysis were carried out using Microsoft excel datasheet and SPSS software (Ver. 22). The test of significance for paired data was done using Wilcoxon Signed rank test. Results: In our study, it was found that the mean value of the post-test scores of SDL group were greater than that of the lecture session. Majority of students perceived the SDL sessions to be more effective. It helped them know their objectives and proactively establish their learning goal. Conclusion: SDL sessions are more effective than lecture sessions in teaching physiology to 1st year MBBS students. It ensures that the learner becomes more independent, which is a highly desirable trait for a medical graduate.

Application of self-directed learning-oriented multi-channel teaching in clinical digestive system integration course / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To apply self-directed learning-oriented multi-channel teaching to clinical digestive system integration course and explore its teaching effect.Methods:Seventy undergraduates of Batch 2015 majoring in clinical medicine in a medical college of Shandong Province were selected as subjects. In the clinical digestive system integration course, we designed and implemented multi-channel teaching methods including problem-based learning (PBL), integrated teaching of theory and practice, standardized patient teaching, group focus teaching and moral education. The scores of students' practice examination under the two teaching methods were compared, and the self-assessment of students' autonomous learning ability before and after the intervention was compared. SPSS 20.0 was used for t test. Results:The average total score of practical assessment in the intervention group was (86.10±6.01), which was higher than that (81.84±7.08) of the Batch 2014 students ( P<0.05). The total score of students' self-assessment of autonomous learning ability was (145.41±9.42) before the intervention. By comparison, the total score was (152.94±10.18) after the intervention. Except for the dimension of "self-innovation", the scores of self-directed learning ability in general and other dimensions were significantly different before and after the intervention ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Self-directed learning-oriented multi-channel teaching is a suitable teaching method for the integration curriculum of clinical digestive system.